Page 86 of Must Love Flowers
“Maggie’s getting a loan on the house to pay for that fancy place she feels I need. Every time I feel the urge to drink, I realize if I do, I take the chance of losing her and my home, too. I’ve lost too much already.”
Sober a week and already Roy was more of a father than she could remember from her entire childhood. She wanted to believe he was sincere, and that with the help of AA he would find the wherewithal to turn his life around.
“What are you doing?” he demanded, along with a few snide comments about people who listened in on conversations.
Maggie ignored him and collected what she needed for work. Her father might be sober, but he was no Mr. Rogers.
“I’m getting ready for work,” she answered. She kissed him on the cheek, smiled appreciation at Al, and headed out the door.
—
Phil’s father glanced up from the book he was reading. He sat in his recliner, his feet crossed at the ankles, looking far more relaxed than Phil felt.
“Something on your mind, son?” he asked.
Phil ceased his pacing. “No, why?”
Setting the novel aside, his dad carefully studied him. “You’ve been fussing about the house ever since you returned from the dentist. Dr. Shaffer give you news of a root canal?”
Phil grinned. “No, all is well with my molars.”
His father knew him and recognized the signs of Phil’s restlessness. He might as well spew what was on his mind. “I was at Joan’s property today.”
“Joan? Oh, right, she’s that must-love-flowers gal you mentioned a time or two.”
“Right. She wants to help Maggie and her father and intends to drive over there on her own.”
His dad nodded as if he knew exactly who Phil was referring to. Phil was certain he’d never mentioned the details of Maggie’s ordeal with her father.
“I’m not sure what Joan has in mind, and frankly, I don’t like the idea of her heading over to the Herberts’ house by herself.” Plus, he had an inkling this wasn’t the first time Joan had gone out of her way to help Maggie with the girl’s father.
His dad cocked his head to one side and frowned. “Seems like a simple solution to me. Go with her.”
He’d stepped in between Maggie and her father once before. That was true, but things were different now, with Roy fighting for sobriety. Phil had no idea what the other man’s mood was, and was worried Joan could be walking into a hornet’s nest.
Phil had concerns. “What about—”
Before Phil could explain, his father cut him off. “Don’t worry about dinner; it’ll keep. Go help your friend and put your mindat rest. You jumping up and down every few minutes is starting to bug me.”
It didn’t take long for Phil to acknowledge his father was right. He grabbed his truck keys and headed toward the door. “I don’t know what time I’ll be back.”
His father shook his head. “Just go.”
“All right, all right.” Smiling to himself, Phil left the house.
—
Less than ten minutes later he parked in front of Joan’s house and was grateful to see her in the front yard, planting peonies. He relaxed, knowing he’d caught her before she’d left.
When she saw him, she paused, surprise lighting up her face. They’d been friends for a while now, and Phil enjoyed her company. Joan had added a great deal to the support group, and to his life, too. She had a gentle way about her, and was quick to laugh and quick to encourage others. She didn’t take herself seriously, either. Phil had rarely been more comfortable with a woman than he was with Joan.
“Phil,” she said, as a way of greeting. “Did you forget something?”
He’d been by the house earlier in the day for coffee. It’d been an impromptu visit, and they’d sat on the porch with Edison and talked for nearly an hour, following his dentist appointment. It was then that she’d told him her deep worries about Maggie and how the young woman had been stressed to the max, not knowing how best to help her father. The prohibitive cost of the rehab facility had left Maggie reeling after her talk with the bank.
Phil wasn’t entirely sure how to explain his arrival. Nervously,he tucked his fingertips into the back pockets of his Levi’s and met her halfway up the sidewalk.
She paused, waiting for him to explain himself.
